The dark-featured man glanced at me, and turned back into the house, and Kent introduced me to the others, none of whom I recognized. This was not Sheridan's staff, but before I could question any of them, the messenger returned, and motioned for me to follow. It was a large room, low-ceilinged, with three windows, the walls of bare logs whitewashed, the floor freshly swept, the only furniture a table and a few chairs. But two men were present, although a sentinel stood motionless at the door,--a broad-shouldered colonel of engineers, with gray moustache and wearing glasses, sitting at a table littered with papers, and a short stocky man, attired in a simple blue blouse, with no insignia of rank visible, his back toward me, gazing out of a window. I took a single step within, and halted. The short man wheeled about at the slight sound, his eyes on my face; I recognized instantly the closely trimmed beard, the inevitable cigar between the lips, and, with a leap of the heart, my hand rose to the salute. "Lieutenant Galesworth?" "Yes, General." "Very well; you may retire, Colonel Trout, and, sentry, close the door." His keen gray eyes scrutinized my face, betraying no emotion, but he advanced closer, one hand upon the table. "General Sheridan informs me he has found you a valuable scout, always ready for any service, however dangerous." "I have endeavored to carry out my orders, General," I answered quietly. "So I am told," in the same even voice. "The army is full of good men, brave men, but not all possess sufficient intelligence and willingness to carry out an independent enterprise. Just now I require such a man, and Sheridan recommends you. How old are you?" I answered, and barely waiting the sound of my voice, he went on: "You have scouted over this country?" "I have, sir." "How far to the south?" "About five miles beyond the Three Corners." "Not far enough, is it, Parker?" turning to the officer at the table. "The house is below," was the response, "but perhaps I had better explain the entire matter to Lieutenant Galesworth, and let him decide for himself whether he cares to make the attempt." The general nodded approval, and walked back to the window, his hands clasped behind his back. Parker spread out a map.